Harlemrapper Jim Jones has pleaded guilty to assault in a scuffle with a friend of R&B performer Ne-Yo's in a Louis Vuitton store.

Jones entered his plea to the misdemeanor charge Monday in a Manhattan court. He was sentenced to time served -- the few hours he was in custody after turning himself in to police in January.

He and Jayvon Smith faced off in front of holiday shoppers at the Fifth Avenue luxury-goods store Dec. 22. Defense lawyer Scott Leemon had said Jones didn't start the fight. Last year, he called the case "a setup for a civil lawsuit" and payday for Javon Smith.

Leemon said Monday that Jones pleaded guilty because he didn't want to risk probation -- and potential touring restrictions -- if convicted.

The 33-year-old Jones released his latest album, "Pray IV Reign," in March.

Jones, who debuted a play about himself earlier this year, said he liked taking on the challenge because "most rappers aren't eager to do a play, " he said.